Are ferrets ment to live indoors or outdoors?

Question

I was thinking of getting a ferret and I've researched on them but the one thing I'm not sure of is if they live indoors or out. If i have them in a hutch outdoors will they get too cold? Or if i have them indoors will they smell? Also should i just get one ferret or should i get two?

Answer 1

I prefer keeping all of my pets indoors, but more and more ferret owners are moving their ferrets outside. For one thing, the natural lighting they experience outside is far better than the artificial lighting and light cycles they experience indoors. Some people even believe the indoor light cycles ferrets experience are part of the reason that adrenal has become so common in ferrets.

Whether you keep your ferret inside or outside is up to you. If he's inside, make sure your ferret gets at least ten hours of complete darkness per day (I keep my ferret cage covered with a blanket). When it comes to keeping the cage outside, you have to make sure the cage is 100% escape proof and it should be partially covered as well. It's also a good idea to have a fenced in yard to keep out predators. I won't go into detail, but if you plan on keeping your ferret outside, then you really need to take the time to make a proper outdoor enclosure. Your ferret needs to be protected from extreme cold and cold wind during the winter, and high heat and humidity during the summer. It will take a lot of time to do, but if done properly, an outdoor enclosure can be very healthy for a ferret. Until you have the time for all of this, I suggest keeping your ferret inside.

Answer 2

I would keep them indoors they could get too cold or too hot outside. And they do smell a little but not a ton. I would get two ferrets so the other one has one to play with. I know dogs can get along with ferrets but I'm not sure about cats.  

Answer 3

Ferrets are definitely an indoor pet - and need any area they will be in 'ferret-proofed'. The smell can be controlled by infrequent bathing (baths just cause them to smell more, due to trying to replace the oils the bath removed), regular cleaning of their bedding and litter boxes. As to cats - if introduced properly, and and as long as the cat has an escape route for when the cat gets irritated with the ferrets, they should be fine. Please read the Ferret FAQ: http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/  It has answers for most of the questions you have asked, and many more that you haven't asked yet. Ferrets can be wonderful pets, but the owners really need to know how to take care of them, as they have some specialized needs.

Answer 4

Indoors. To hot can cause a heat stroke, to cold, not good. Although ferrets can tolerate the cold better then heat. I have a "ferret" porch, which mine love going out on during the nice days. But always brought back in. I have 28 fuzzies and just introduced 2 kittens!! The kittens, now teenage kittens, get along great with the ferrets. They were tiny when introducing them. All my fuzzies are free roam.

2 ferrets are better then one. This way, they do have each other to play with. The Smell, keep their bedding (blankets, etc.) washed and you will not have the smell. That goes for litter boxes, also.  

Answer 5

It is a lot less work to keep your ferret indoors. You don't need to worry about the temperature outside and the type of weather. Ferrets do prefer cooler environments but you don't want them outside all day in the winter without some way to keep them warm. If you keep them outside make sure their cage doesn't get wet because that will keep it cold and it it could mold. You also don't want them exposed wind, rain, snow.

If you keep them inside clean their litter box twice a day and clean the entire cage once a week (rinse it out and put in new bedding) then there should be very little smell.

If you get a ferret start off with one just to make sure you like them and that the work they require isn't too much for your schedule. If you decide you love ferrets and want to keep it then definatly get two (or more) although this will smell a little more your ferrets will have some company while you are away and somebody to play with.

As for the cats I would keep the contact between them to a minimum. If you let the ferrets out to play keep them in a room without the cats. If you introduce them slowly (have one person hold the cat and one person hold the ferret and let them smell each other and they don't try to eat each other) they should be ok but it never hurts to play it safe. If you have two ferrets they will have plenty of fun and they won't need a cat for company. For some more information I would read "ferrets for dummies" or "your outta control ferret". I hope this helps. Good luck and have fun with your new ferret)

Answer 6

in

Answer 7

indoors and two they enjoy company

Answer 8

My dad brought home a ferret for my sisters (ages 13 and 15), the same day Mom brought home two kittens. It took a couple of days for them to get used to each other but now the ferret and the kittens are best friends. And keeping them inside would be the best plan. They don't smell that bad. You only smell them if you pick them up and hold them by your face, but they do tend to get into EVERYTHING and they really like to eat plastic.

Answer 9

indoors.

they shouldn't get too smelly if you get them desented and if you change their litter once a day.

you should get two, they love the company, and two really aren't any more work than one.